Adviser signals govt to keep saving US$20bil

Clear criteria: Prabowo acknowledges his supporters at a Jakarta event. The president’s budget cuts may be ineffective or even counterproductive, some analysts caution, pointing out that they do not target specific projects based on audits. — Bloomberg

JAKARTA: President Prabowo Subianto’s top adviser Hashim Djojohadikusumo says this year’s budget cuts are not a one-time measure but part of a continued effort throughout the administration’s tenure.

Hashim, a tycoon and Prabowo’s brother, said the administration aims to save at least around US$20bil each year over the course of the next five years.